Band 5 Occupational Therapist - Recovery College

NHS; Grays; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Band 5 Occupational Therapist focused on supporting mental health recovery through educational programs. The role includes designing and delivering workshops, collaborating with students to create learning plans, and participating in ongoing professional development. Ideal candidates will hold a degree in Occupational Therapy and understand the healthcare context, particularly related to recovery colleges. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Excellent pension up to 14.5%

£8K relocation package

Interest-free season ticket loans

Staff discounts including Blue Light Card

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy (passed or pending).
• HCPC Registration & Membership of BAOT (current or pending).
• An understanding of the modern context of health care (including Recovery college).

Responsibilities

• Design, implementation and evaluation of co‑produced occupational focused psychoeducational groups.
• Support students in identifying Individual Learning Plans.
• Regular professional supervision and appraisal support.

Skills

Ability to apply treatment modalities

Utilise interpersonal skills

Understanding of health care context

Education

Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy

HCPC Registration & Membership of BAOT

Job description

Band 5 Occupational Therapist - Recovery College

The closing date is 30 January 2026

An innovative vacancy has arisen for a Band 5 Occupational Therapist working as an Occupational Therapist–Health Trainer at the Thurrock Recovery College.

About the Recovery College

Thurrock Recovery College is a partnership between Inclusion (part of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust), Thurrock and Brentwood Mind (a local charity), Essex Partnership University NHS Trust and the students of the college. Together, we deliver an exciting and innovative wellbeing service for Thurrock that is free, confidential and focused on supporting Thurrock’s communities and residents.

In April 2025 the College began an exciting new partnership to create the Mid and South Essex Recovery College – a joint initiative between Inclusion, part of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Mid Essex Recovery College, part of Provide Community, and Trust Links.

The Recovery College is all about providing an educational learning environment for people who experience difficulties with, or have an interest in, mental health and wellbeing.

Our courses across Thurrock help us learn what gives us the best chance of staying well and living the most fulfilling lives we can. Our belief is that recovery is a journey of discovery, to find hope, happiness, health and opportunities.

Main duties of the job

The role will include supporting in the co‑production and co‑delivery of courses and workshops to students (Users of the Recovery College), supporting students to identify meaningful Individual Learning Plans and to assist individuals in the transitioning from secondary mental health services to utilise Recovery College.

About us

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff’s hard work and dedication.
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us.
• Season ticket loans are interest‑free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Job responsibilities

Key responsibilities of this role will be

• A commitment to understanding and embedding the principles of the Recovery College ethos and model within all aspects of your work.
• Leading in the design, implementation and evaluation of co‑produced occupational focused psychoeducational groups which are delivered both face to face and online.
• Supporting students in identifying Individual Learning Plans to support their recovery journeys.
• Being supported through regular professional supervision and appraisal. Monthly professional reflective practice sessions jointly held with the other Occupational Therapists within the Mid and South Essex Recovery College partnership.
• Having a commitment to continue your own development and actively participating in providing a variety of learning opportunities for students and the rest of the team.
• Receiving excellent training and development through our Workforce Development Department and within the service. Support is maintained through regular supervision and appraisal to assist you in setting realistic objectives enabling you to maintain a positive attitude towards delivering quality customer care.
• Opportunities to help you continue to develop throughout your career including Band 5 preceptorship programme, Band 5 educational group, Band 5 support group, leadership training programmes and a wide range of career progression and training opportunities.

Please see the above information and that contained within the Job Description and Person Specification attached for full detail.

Person Specification

Education/ Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy (passed or pending)
• HCPC Registration & Membership of BAOT (current or pending)

Knowledge and Experience

• An understanding of the modern context of health care (including Recovery college)
• Ability to apply a range of treatment modalities in group and one‑to‑one format.
• Utilise interpersonal skills which motivate individuals to take control of their everyday activities of productivity, leisure and self‑care.
• Previous relevant experience e.g. voluntary work, summer jobs, work experience.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

£31,049 to £37,796 a year, plus 5% high cost area allowance.